The Ressurectionists Speak
Log Info
- Title: The Resurrectionists Speak
- Emitter: Cryosanthia, Whirlpool
- Characters: Cryosanthia, Merek, Mikilos, Seldan, Delilah, Soup, Aya, Wilhelm, Victor, Tae, Stjepan, Baz da Ork
- Place: A14: Sage Orum's Plaza, University District
- Time: Tuesday, September 01, 2020, 8:31 PM
- Summary: The Resurrectionists have been handing out pamphlets throughout Alexandria, announcing a public forum where they will reveal and discuss their plans. Cryosanthia is in the area, Mikilos has adopted this as a project of interest. Merek and others, wander by as the crowds gather. Lily, Cryo's foundling, causes her trouble and her friends help distract her. Soup sees an open stange and can't resist, mounting it to sing a lewd song before his DireCorgi interrupts. Aya, Seldan, and others are in attendance. The Resurrectionists explain their belief that everything that has befallen Gaea is the result of Animus being slain, and that some shards of his essence have fallen to earth. That these shards might be used to resurrect him, or for other purposes. Tae observes they'd likely fetch a great price, Wilhelm nods sagely, glad others are finally aware of the shards as he has been. Cryo and Baz da Ork prove to be the loudest, if perhaps also the most skeptical, with Baz saying no one needs a dead failure of a god beholden to men, while Cryo observes it's dangerously foolish to keep shocking a system that hasn't had time to settle down. She also asks which God they plan to kill to make room and fulfill the cosmic need for Balance. Mikilos argues the strongest for this plan, that the shards are out there and doing nothing is a bad idea. They had better go get them before Taara's followers do. It finishes with the Resurrectionists inviting everyone to join their society, and everyone signs on. Almost everyone, because adventure is to be had!
=========================> Animus Ressurection Pamphlet <========================= ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A group identifiying itself with the Fallen God, Animus, has convenied a meeting in Alexandria in the Sage Orum Plaza. They call themselves the Resurrectionists and their goal is obvious: to seek the rebirt4h of the God, Animus, from his murder at the hands of Taara. Such a controversial and outrageous goal is sure to attract considerable attention. ==============================================================================
-=--=--=--=--=<* A14: Sage Orum's Plaza, University District *>-=--=--=--=--=-
Named after one of Alexandria's most learned (and perhaps addled) minds, the new University District of the city contains a number of entertainment spots as well as areas of culture and learning. Though many structures and sculptures can be found here, two buildings dominate the plaza with an air of friendly animosity--the grand buildings of the Society for Progressive Arcanists and the Artificer's Guild.
Poised on opposite sides of the central plaza, the two face one another like old misers, each uncertain as to what the other's up to, and pranks between students are a rule of thumb. A series of levies and fines exists should they get too far out of hand, though at times the results may be spectacular. Performers often make use of the great plaza by filling it with music, and rare is the visit without passing a performer's hat or three, five, or nine. Likewise, ramshackle shops selling every sort of magic bauble line the ways, all of varying (and often questionable) quality. A grand statue of Sage Orum overlooks it all, his expression slightly perplexed perhaps, at its mixture of grandeur, invention, glass-filled baubles, and chaos.
At the far end of the area, is the city library. From public records to research into the history of the city and the region itself, there is much one can learn at the city library. Many stories tall, the building towers up over well-lit, tightly-packed cobblestone streets.
In the distance, the Redridge Mountains rise overhead in all their glory. At their peaks, one can see the airships docking, landing, and flying off again under the banners of not only Alexandria but many great nations.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Appearing, In Order -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Cryosanthia 6'9" 291 Lb Sith-Makar Female A dashingly tall, elegant white-scaled lizard woman. Merek 5'10" 215 Lb Human Male A black-haired, dusky male with golden eyes. Mikilos 6'8" 180 Lb Dawn Elf Male Tall male dawn elf, rosey blonde and handsome. Seldan 5'11" 187 Lb Human Male Ginger-blonde human in armor wearing Eluna's symbol. Delilah 5'4" 106 Lb Human Female A golden haired human girl in white robes. Soup 3'4" 40 Lb Gnome Male 3'4" of GLORY! DARING DO! Has a DIRECORGI! HUZZAH! Aya 4'7" 105 Lb Shadow Elf Female Mul'niessa. Braided hair. Simple clothing. Wilhelm 6'1" 165 Lb Human Male An older Cerenzan man all in black. Victor 6'6" 290 Lb War Golem Male Pale humanoid War Golem in heavy armor. Tae 6'2" 135 Lb Half-Orc Female Female half-oruch, lean, black hair Stjepan 8'0" 534 Lb Giantborn Male Big, blonde jotun. Baz da Ork 7'0" 320 Lb Orc Male 7' 320 pounds of metal, muscle and stupid. WAAAGH! -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=
Pamphlets have been spread about for the last week. Rumours have been circulating, a group is going to bring back the God, Animus? Could such a thing even be possible?
Ominously, it seems as if the Gods have already rendered an answer. A chilly wind blows from the west, driving dark clouds before it and blotting out the stars in patches overhead. Otherwise, the air is clear and stars can be seen elsewhere, where they glitter brightly in the dark sapphire sky.
Still, curiosity has been raised, and people are gathering.
Merek has taken the time to put on his normal gear, from the cargo pants which he wears along with the beltcape, to the shirt with pockets as well as the black boots with two gloves. The man takes a moment to make his way into the plaza, waiting to see what the whole meeting will be about. In the meanwhile, he would begin to eat from a gyro which he made.
"Lily! Ssstop! Please ssstop! Sssasssa iss tired." <draconic>
A very small, carnation coloured, lizard girl bounds across the plaza. She is pursued by a much larger whitescale sith'makar woman. The small lizard is fast, but the large one is swifter, with a longer stride and better agility. It's only the necessity of going around people that is slowing her down. The little pink streak can run between people's legs, and occasionally does. Cryo has to go around, and sometimes over.
And an almost three hundred pound lizard flying over one's head is enough to make people clutch some pearls. Or perhaps, shriek. Thus, gleeful little lizard screams and startled adult ones of various races announce the progress of the pair across the plaza.
Merek looks to the direction of the lizards, while he blinks a little bit, taking a moment to think on it while he watches the people that are gathering in the plaza. "And who's that?" he asks of Cryo while he nods to Lily, then he waits to see what people will come about.
Cryosanthia does another leap and lands in front of the dashing lizard. She crouches low to the ground, arms out and scoops her up, legs still waving in the empty air. Soon, the girl calms down.
"Lily, stay in the pack. There's a big crowd, this one doesn't want to lose you." <draconic>
"So many!" She squeaks back. <draconic>
"Yes, there are lots." <draconic> Cryo confirms, her words carrying a little admonishment. She exhales. 'Oh, Hi Merek. This is Little Fang. Or Lily, or Fang.'
"Little Fang!" The small lizard girl chirps happily.
'Right, Little Fang today.'
Merek's luminescent golden gaze looks to Lily and nods a bit, "Pleasure, I'm Merek," he introduces with Draconian, while he takes a moment to think about it, smiling, "Pleasure to see you, Cryo. I'm glad you are doing well. You make a wonderful parental figure," he compliments. Then it's back to looking to the plaza. Then he's chanting while he begins to place both hands forward a bit, golden-black wings beginning to extend from him. He then leans back to watch. <draconic>
GAME: Merek casts Angelic Aspect. Caster Level: 11 DC: 19 GAME: Merek casts Overland Flight. Caster Level: 10 DC: 20
There's a crackle, a glow, and very brief pause, and then a burst of power as Mikilos teleports into the plaza. typically the wizard doesn't bother with such showy side effects to his transportation, but when there might be a crowd, best to offer a few seconds warning there's about to be a person standing in a previously empty spot. Peering around, the tall elf raises a hand in greeting to the White Scale, peering with curiosity at the smaller counterpart. Merek's wing earn an arched eyebrow, but Mikilos declines to comment... for now.
"Ooooo! Haaa! Yaaay!" The little carnation coloured lizard in Cryo's arms laughs and claps at Merek, then at the burst of light and magic as Mikilos arrives.
'Thanks Merek,' Cryo says, then bundles the lizard girl over her shoulder so she can sit, half-in, half-out of the handy haversack. Some kind of chair-hammock insert ensures she won't fall in, and there are a couple handles for her as well. "Okay Lily, stay put and stay quiet." <draconic>
Cryosanthia breathes and relaxes, straightening up. She's wearing all her best gear, even the mithril buckler and iron icicle knife are out. A short cape and a matching skirt compliment her mithril armour and the swashbuckling style leathers on her arms and legs.
GAME: Mikilos rolls spellcraft: (3)+32: 35 GAME: Wilhelm rolls spellcraft: (1)+8: 9 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls spellcraft: (16)+5: 21
Merek has the telltale sign of Celestial influence in his eyes, that's bonding with him. It's clear that the power is fairly advanced within that Pact, it shows with the wings as well as the ethereal grace he walks with. Angelic in nature.
Aya is not one for grandiose entrances. In general, it's often most beneficial that as few note her arrival as possible. To this end, she steps into the plaza amidst other pedestrians, whether destined for here or places beyond.
Wilhelm is here because even crazed witches sometimes hear news of big things happening. He's wandered into the square with a large thrush on one shoulder, a thunderbelcher on a strap over the other, a thin-brimmed hat, and a puzzled expression. He'll move over towards the thickest part of the crowd, assuming that whatever's happening will happen there.
Merek slides on what looks like an adventurer's hat, snapping the brim while he takes a moment to adjust the chain interwoven into the material of that attire which he wears. There's an ethereal smile offered to Cryo and a nod to Mikilos when he notes the man looking that way. He does shift attention to the place in full. His wings shift along while he watches.
Mikilos nods to a few familiar faces in the crowd, before drifting over towards Cryosanthia, nodding hello with a smile and eyeing the small addition. "Babysitting for extra coppers are you?" he teases. "Who's your young apprentice?"
Amid all of the people on full display and prominent faces showing themselves, is a much less flashy figure in full plate armor that appears to be rather beaten and scarred, like that of any mercenary. Seldan has opted to be unobtrusive for this particular discussion, and so a full helm and gauntlets cover face and hands, his customary holy symbol and jewelry nowhere in evidence, and he stands to one side of the plaza, listening in silence. Those who know him well have two ways to identify him - the sword on his hip and the ice-blue eyes that a full helm does not conceal.
Cryosanthia smiles warmly at Mikilos, her eyes brightening up and her posture more relaxed. "Mikilos! This one is glad to see you! This is Lily, well Little Fang, but I'm trying to encourage her not to bite."
Little Fang hisses over Cryo's shoulder at Mikilos, a greeting perhaps, it shows off her teeth and of the foremost, one of the fangs is smaller than the other. Thus, the name.
Cryo brushes the little one's head. "Well... she's my foundling now, so the babysitting may go on for some time. I'll have to catch you up on the details. She is a joy and a huge handful."
Magic, magic, and perhaps more magic... yet it is the white Sith (or perhaps the scaled handful) that catches, re-catches, and holds Aya's notice. Not that she does not notice Merek's wings nor the metal-clad Silver Guard. She chooses to relocate across the way, perhaps due to the sith-let being occupied with hissing at Mikilos.
After appearing on the tailward side of Cryosanthia, she comments to the white-scale, "I see that you've acquired another co-conspirator..."
Mikilos nods, grining at the Little Fang. "Lily. Liliaceae Lilium Alexandrae. A pleasure to meet you." The elf considers a moment, presses his hands together, and murmurs a moment. Spreading his hands again, there floats something somewhere between a rubber ball and a really fat butterfly with large eyes. Clearly an illusion, it shimmers with rainbow colors, and float toward the tiny lizard, having enough tactile sensation to be touched, but should it be squeezed, as is almost certain, it pops into a shower of tiny bubbles, which swirl for a moment and reform, stunned and with little distressed swirls for eyes for a moment before recovering. Ideally a toy to help children learn to be gentle with what they grab, but still amusing for those too young for such ideas.
Cryo is somewhat occupied with staring at Merek, his transformation and his strange eyes, how had she never noticed them before, seeming to confirm a longtime suspicion that he's not truly human. Or not truly human anymore. She's gotten better with people suddenly appearing beside her, and doesn't react to Aya's arrival at all.
Little Fang does notice, but is instantly distracted by the large ball-like butterfly. Scrambling around in the pack, then climbing half out and holding onto one of the sith's horns, she grabs at it. She squeaks in confusion, then laughs loudly as it pops and reforms. She drags it back to her lair.
Cryo meanwhile, has her attention split, first to Aya, then Lily's movements. "Oh! Peace... Aya. Yes, this one has. Meet Lily. Lily, Aya."
"Aaaa-aaa," is Lily says hello.
Merek seems to think of something, and nods a bit to people, then he gives a look to Cryo when toys are being made. It's a look that speaks of wisdom. "I imagine she will like the gift, all things have a purpose," he offers. The Seer offers a knowing tap of the nose, while he then looks to Mikilos as well as to Aya, recognizing both, and nodding a bit, "You two been well?" He doesn't notice the fact Seldan's about because of that armor, although he waits for announcement of the people that are running that meeting.
The scrolls and parchments indicating the meeting is starting around now were not inaccurate. The raised platform set up for their speakers is as of yet unoccupied but the growing crowd of curious onlookers is quite real and nothing if not diverse.
City guardsmen are pretty obviously keeping watch over the situation and there are no doubt representatives from the local temples mixed in with the crowd as well.
Emerging from the crowd. At least one presumable member of this 'resurrectionist society' is handling out small parchments that speak of Animus' death at the hands of the wicked Goddess, Taara, and the fallen God's place in the pantheon.
Mikilos grins as the toy serves its purpose, and nods to Merek. "Well enough. was idly seeking a project to keep myself busy when this-" he gestures vaugely to the whole gathering "-came to my attention."
Oh, crowds? An empty stage? Haha! The brightly armored and blue clothed Gnome edges his mighty steed towards the stage itself. The massive Dire Corgi happily sniffing everything and everyone. Nearly inhaling a small elfin child and leaving a massive wet nose print on the back of an elderly Dwarf. Already the lyre is in his hands as Soup seems intent on going center stage.
Aya wouldn't dare try to compete with the toy; she tries to pick her battles more wisely than that. As that is secured in the litte dragon's lair, she dips in a nod to Merek. "Moreso than many. Peace on your nest," she offers the latter to Cryo, focus shifting to Lily, "and those in them. A pleasure, Lily. What brings you here? Did you come to see a god resurrected?" Not that Aya expects to see that, of course.
Wilhelm will take one of the pamphlets being handed out, looking over it critically. He shows it to the thrush on his shoulder, and seems to hold a whispered conversation with it. If the thrush replies, it does not do so aloud, but Wilhelm seems satisfied with what it says. "So," he says to the thrush, "we shall see what they have to say."
Victor is part of the gathering crowd. He accepts a parchment with a slight nod and then finds a spot with a good view of the platform. After inspecting it for a few moments he tilts his head down and glances over the parchment. He looks up, quickly running his eyes across the crowd. Then he returns his gaze to the platform.
Cryo takes a pamphlet also, looking through it. "Thank you Mikilos, that will occupy her. This one was in town to see Professor Waywalker, and freeze up some ice-boxes. It coincided well with this."
"Aaa-aaa" Lily repeats, trying to grab the butterfly ball, and making another shower of glitter.
The whitescale sith meanwhile looks around the crowd. While she's tall enough to see over most, she isn't the greatest at spotting or recognizing people. Especially if their armour and symbols are minimized. So several people she might know go unrecognized.
Aya ahs softly at Cryosanthia's explanation, then is momentarily distracted with the arrival of a parchment-passing petitioner. She eyes him a long moment before accepting it, returning her attention to Lily. Perhaps as she is the one calling her name whilst crushing the bubbles and glitter out of the toy repeatedly. "I'm undecided whether I should be honored or concerned that my name seems to be a battle cry as she rends her enemies asunder. Is that a normal part of early sith training?"
Delilah is here -- the golden haired sorceress hasn't come over any particular purpose, having not seen any fliers, she's just.. here, wandering through, eating a shishkebab that's still steaming hot with beef and chicken and vegetables, and it's really delicious and she's almost going to just walk on through until things get started. Somehow she's just barely not-oblivious enough to stop for a listen. It never hurts to be curious.
GAME: Soup rolls Perform/string: (4)+11: 15 GAME: Soup rolls Perform/Sing: (19)+11: 30
Mikilos declines a parchment, having read over something very similar before comming to the plaza. To Aya he smiles. "I think at this point most words are just sounds, not assigned any real meaning. Though if is a battle cry, I've heard worse ones."
Merek nods a bit while he takes a look at that pamphlet, waiting for the stage while he settles about next to the people that he knows.
The massive Dire Corgi mounts the stage, taking the steps two at a time. The one robed priest attempting to herd away the fluffy canine is met with it's most fearsome weapon. Two licks leave the man soggy and defeated, nudged off to the side by it's cold wet nose and swatted mercilessly to the ground as it passes by the happiest of giant tails.
"Good day Alexandria!" Soup cheers as he rises up in the saddle. "A tune for you all to keep the mood chipper!"
"There once was a lady of unearthly beauty! She was a knight of perilous duty!"His voice singing out over the crowd like a heavenly sigh, though his finger work on the lyre leaves a bit to be desired. "Her wings and hide sporting a puberulous .." The song is cut short as the immense dog sneezes. The Gnome leaning over his head and looking down at him. "Mal, I am playing." He admonishes, the dog for it's part. Now confronted with an upside down Soup beings to twist it's head this way and that to try and rectify the situation. Then barks repeatedly, panting and pawing at the air trying to reach it's rider.
"Ahh... maybe? This one is concentrating on the not-biting and not-stealing." Cryo laughs, but sounding genuinely flustered too. She smiles awkwardly down at the mul'niessa, shaking her head slowly, "Please do not read too much into it. She understands draconic, but not tradespeak. Oh, a pre-show."
Victor looks down at his parchment. He turns it over and looks at the back in case it was there all along and he missed it. 'Opening remarks by Soup and Mal'.
A great many people are present now, having been drawn by the claim that they wish to see to the resurrection of a God. What sort of people would presume to think they such a thing is within the hands of mortals?
A older Khazadi woman, her hair done up in a bun and streaked with grey, pushes herself on to the stage. A look is given to Soup, mid performance, and a gentle asking of him to cede the platform to her. She raises her arms up to the sky.
"Once, the greatest of the Gods were three in number. Many of you do not remember, but those of you old enough doz A time when Kulthian horror played out in our streets and the fortress of Merkabah was raised into the sky, the last Kulthian, a man named Saluven, sought to unleash the Void upon the world as punishment for the sundering that shattered the grand designs of the civilization of machines and sorcery! Three Gods came together as one as they must to undo the damage: Daeus, the dragon lord of will and justice, Maugrim, the tyrant dragon, may he remain bound for all time, and Animus, he who walked between light and shadow in duty to the Source and the Sea of Mana!"
Mikilos quiets and turns his focus to the Khazadi speaker. The elf listens attentively, but makes little reaction. Then again, he's heard most of this before.
Merek listens, a bit attentive, while he takes a moment to watch. He does not add anything, make any comments, looking to be a little content to think on things.
There is a look as Gnome and DireCorgi turn their attention to the ancient Khazadi. A wide grin across the Knight's face as if he is about to contest the stage and audience. Then Soup inclines his head and makes as much of a flourishing bow as he can from doggo-back. Before he nudges his steed and departs the stage. The wind from the swish-swish'ing tail adding a bit of theatrical framing to the dwarf's speech. Once more the poor soggy priest who initially tried to stop them is nosed, licked, trodden upon and bludgeoned with the fluffy tail as the pair pass him.
"Maaauugrrau!" Lily says happily, and Cryo immediately shushes her, hissing, "No. Maugrim we chomp, we don't worsship Maugrim." <draconic>
She smiles awkwardly at Mikilos, then Aya, then smoothes the front of her armour down. Yes, she's paying attention to what is being said. Of course.
So Tae is fashionably late. The half-oruch does her best not to be too obstrusive. She pauses to catch the essence of what she missed before she seeks a better spot, preferably one where she doesn't block ten people from seeing the show. Along the way, she offers a few apologies, "Sorry, excuse me.. coming through.. get your hands off my ass, please.."
Aya keeps her eyes upon the khazadi woman recounting history, though one ear is kept attuned more to the local. She leans in towards Cryosanthia and her vocal hornamentation to note quietly, "Chomp hard, just don't taste. I have it on good authority that The Tyrant is rather bitter and foul."
Victor focuses on the Khazadi woman as well. A hint of curiousity flickers over his face as she names Daeus and Maurgrim...as if he's trying to guess what titles she'll for Animmus. But when she describes him he tilts his head slightly to one side and waits for her to go on.
Cryo leans to listen, nodding along. Maugrim Bites are the best, she'll have to introduce Lily to them. Lily however, has other things on her mind. Or other people. She spots Tae, and immediately leaps out of the carrier and rushes through the crowd towards her.
"LILY!"
The whitescale sith bounds after. She's good at threading past people, and over them. Still the crowd is tight, and she falls behind the carnation lizard.
Lily reaches the Tae, leaping up on her, "TAE!"
Mikilos idly wonders how much wizards with children abuse the Sleep spell. 'Bedtime is -now-.'
The sound of that little voice puts Tae on guard, and in a heartbeat everyone around her instictively steps back. Perhaps because she looks ready to draw her scimitar and lop off a few heads. When she sees that it's Lily and there is no danger to the little one, she laughs. "Little Fang! You should be careful, crowds here are dangerous at the best of times. And these are not the best of times. At least not for us." Still, she smiles at the girl before turning to scan the crowd for Cryosanthia. She has to be close.
Seldan continues to listen and watch in silence, keeping to himself and remaining behind the cover of his armor.
Mikilos watches the sudden departure of Little Fang with caution, ready to assist if it proves needed. But the situation seems to resolve itself, and the wizard relaxes, turning focus back to the stage.
Merek waves to Tae when he notices the woman, then nods a bit to Cryo to direct the woman and Lily that way.
Aya slips away from the grou, joining the silent onlookers.
The story of the Illuminated Order and its fall is still one sung about by the bards of tarverns. The Spell Cannon struck down the flying fortress, which remains crashed nearby as an example of Kulthian marvels.
"The three came together for one singular purpose: to save our star from destruction. They called it the Night of the Eye, when the Phantom Moon and Eluna were in alignment."
She raises her hand.
"I am Griva Brassbringer and I'm the head of the Alexandrian chapter of the Resurrectionists. What do we believe, you ask? We believe that our world in dire jeapordy, that every day that passes brings us hurtling closer to a crises we can't overcome with our strength of arms, or oare magics, or the mere gracqe of the Gods. Heth has risen in Dragonier, the Dranei wage war against magic itself, the demon binder Asumit raises an army in Skald, Myrrdion locked in civil discord, Charn faltering around like a stumbling giant! Sooner or later, all of these things will come together to face a crises we've never dreamt of."
She lets out a breath, "be it one at a time, or as a group, they will each leave us devestated and in turn ill pr4epared to face th ethreat of the Void when it rises..."
"... which is why we look to undo what Taara has done and restore the God of Magic to his rightful place!"
There are murmurs from the crowd, scoffs.
"IT is not that we necessarily believe we can do this, or that we have the right, but the investigation into doing so will provide us answers. Answers we need. We are seekers of knowledge and we'd ask you to join us on our quest."
Cryosanthia is indeed, very close behind. "Excuse me, pardon me, excuse me." She's moving around and through the crowd, finally catching up. She huffs, then hugs Tae tight, "Hi, c'mon you."
She picks up Little Fang, who peeps, "Tae!"
"Yes, it's Tae, come over here, meet some of my other friends." Cryo leads the half-orc over to her group of friends.
"Raise a God?" Soup murmurs to himself, he strums a few notes on his lyre. "If there is enough pay in it, worth a try." He chuckles and leans forward to stroke his mount's ears as he listens further.
Merek listens on while he nods a bit, seeming to think about it. He does take a moment to look to his friends while he offers a nod a bit along. Then it's back to the speaker, waiting to see what the plan is for doing all of that.
Mikilos speaks up, calling to Griva. "Endless Winter, the time traveling fae who unleased a mana eating plague of ooze."
Tae laughs gently at the sight of Cryosanthia and at having her name called out again by Lily. "I see that all is going well. Oh, introductions? I see. Certainly." There's a hint of wariness in her eyes, a tightening that lasts but a moment before she allows herself to be led.
"Exactly," says Griva, pointing at Mikilos!
"The threats are multitude, and they are a symbol of the world's state! They will keep rising, in frequency, in more. Things we can't see. Things that perhaps wouldn't behappening if the Equilibrium was restored. The loss of the Equlibrium, Animus's place, is telling. We are out of sorts, flailing from one state of imbalance to another. Oaths unravel, the Sea of Mana in turmoil!"
"We do nor pretend to have the answers, but investigating... well... that we can do. Already, shards of Animus' divine essence have been revealed to have fallen into the world."
The crowd gasps. While some might have knowledge of this, this is news to a great many commoner.
And most seem doubtful or inclined to not bleieve it, of course.
GAME: Merek rolls sense motive: (15)+4: 19
Wilhelm nods knowingly about the shards of Animus having fallen into the world, and he says to his thrush, "I see now that they are aware of you as well, high one."
Cryosanthia leads Tae back, then introduces her around, "Everyone, Tae. Tae, Merek, Mikilos, Aya and that one over there, I think ... no it's Delilah, not Donna. She made my gloves."
Lily has climbed the half-orc, and is riding her shoulders. Tae has hair, Cryo does not. Advantage Tae, who is now receiving a re-styling. The little lizard also pulls a bulbous ball-like butterfly close, then explodes it in Tae's face, with her current battle-cry, "Aaa-aaaa!"
Cryo is trying to catch up, with what's being said. She had some questions. "Cover your ears, I'm going to be a little loud." Her left hand dances through some arcane gestures, and her arm glows as a cantrip is cast. Ghost Sounds, which the sith'makar uses to echo her words as she speaks, making it sound like sixteen people are speaking. Loud enough to be heard across the crowd. "WHICH GOD ARE YOU GOING TO KILL?"
"THE GODS THEMSELVES LEFT ANIMUS DEAD. THEY CHOSE. ELUNA AND TAARA DIVIDED ANIMUS' POWER. THEY RAISED SERRIEL TO THEIR RANKS. NAVOS ABANDONNED DAEUS AND COMPASSION AND JOINED THE NEUTRAL DIETIES. TO MAINTAIN COSMIC BALANCE, SEVEN LIGHT, SEVEN TWILIGHT, SEVEN DARK. BALANCE, MORE IMPORTANT THAN COMPASSION. SO."
"WHICH GOD ARE YOU GOING TO KILL SO HE HAS A SPOT?"
Finally, the quiet man in the helm and beaten armor straightens up, and this time, Seldan's voice is clearly identifiable beside the helm. In fact, he removes it and places it under one arm, so that he can see better. "To change time itself is a fickle thing indeed, my lords and ladies," he addresses Griva and her companions politely. "An action taken now may change what is, what has been, and what is to be. Know you what effects such an action might have upon the other Gods, and all of Ea itself?"
Mikilos says, "Taara, obviously, would be the one to die, in an ideal situation. But imbalence comes when too much is added to one side. To add to the middle retains balance."
Tae manages a polite curtsey of greeting as she is introduced. "A pleasure to meet you all," she says in a clear, but light voice. Then Cryo's questions fly. With a nervous sense of suddenly having a whole bunch of eyes directed in her vicinity, Tae laughs gently and mutters, "Well, that's one way to put it, I suppose." She tries to keep Lily from drawing attention her way, at least.
"... What if he were to take a seat above all twenty-one?" Merek asks, thinking about it a moment, then looks between folk, "Anyway." The man stretches along those wings while he thinks about it and nods a bit to the speaker. "All these questions aside, what do you think will be happening if mortals decide to involve themselves? As a friend had mentioned, it'd mean war with the Outsider Agents of the gods."
Stjepan arms fold across his chest, listening to the shouting. He watches Mikilos and the Ressurectionist agents carefully.
"The Gods do what they must," calls Griva to Cryo's concern, "They rose up Serriel! Navos assumed a position in the sea of balance, 'tis true, and Eluna and Taara fight over the Sea of Mana even now! But remember that the Gods too have their bindings! Even now, they are barred from walking the world in mortal form by the covenant they signed at the end of the War of the Gods in ancient history! Yet, divine shards of Animus *have* fallen to the world. We may not be able to restore Animus *as he was*." It seems she's heard Cryo's argument before, having a ready a nswer to her, "but that doesn't mean we simply assume that *what is*, is what *must be*."
She puts her hands to either side of her head, "I do not presume to speak to what 'must' happen. We investigate. We observe. We learn. As Animus willed it. We do not *presume*, we do not *assume*. But we will begin our hunt for the Shards, here in Alexandria, and elsewhere in the world. We all havqe our own desires in this work."
She turns towards Seldan as he raises a question, 'Tis true, to seek to undo what Taara has done could carry unforseen consequences, but we do not go into it with eyes blind to them. The knowledge that he has fallen has unparalelled impacts going into the future. An entire city vanished from the world for five years, as you all know." She gestures around her, "into the mists, and the world changed around you in your absence, as you all dwelled locked Elsewhere, in a dimension that has no known description."
Several Alexandrians blanch. They remember the day the mists rolled in.
"Animus was struck down and Taara seized the reigns of magic."
Merek just gets a weird look from Griva.
"Yes, and and what if a flock of hound-archons descended from the heavens and farted rainbows?" she asks, dryly.
"A race of men can not place themselves *above* the Gods -- but lest we forget, the Gods have each thier own agenda and desires as well, and they too are bound by their natures and obligations. They have left saving of this world in the hands of mortal kind before, why should now be any different?"
She puts her hands, palms down, at either of her sides.
"We grasp that this is a fearful thing we seek, and that some may think we are merely nostalgic for what was lost, but I truly believe, as do my companions, that in seeking to salvage Animus' lost strength, we can save this world. We must try. We must. The alternative is too bleak to hold."
Mikilos says, "Magic was a bit like a childs top. Balenced, every changing, yet always the same. Self correcting, as a lean to any one side becomes an equal lean to the other side as rotation continues. But the current system is more like a sew-saw. Uneven, in danger of falling fully to one side, and putting strain upon the middle. There is a Godess of Light Magic, and a Goddess of Dark, but while Navos remains in the middle, he's not really a deity of magic, and as mentioned, not a task to which he was originally intended." The magus sighs. "And of course it's all just speculation at the moment anyway. Resurection might not be possible. And if it is, it might not be desired. Lord Animus himself might prefer to be dead. Resurections have failed for less." The elf glances around. "In the end, while such things do affect everyone, only six groups are really invested. The former clergy of Animus, of course. The clergy of Navos, who stepped down to filled the role left. Those who follow Serriel, who stepped into the spot left by Navos. The priests of Eluna, who took on the guidance of light magic. The followers of Taara can go screw themsevles, as she stole Dark amgic in an attempt to take it all. And of course, those who have dedicated their lives unto magic, the various sorts of Arcanists."
Victor looks between the others and then turns back towards Griva to see how she responds. He nods in agreement with Mikilos' earlier point. "If balance is the goal," he muses, "Surely it won't be upset by 'more' neutrality." But then Victor's expression grows distant as Mikilos goes on (and on).
Wilhelm looks to his thrush and nods meaningfully. "Yes, I will of course hold your secrets close until such time as you release me, great lord." A pause. "Yes, they will learn what they are able when they can. But I am your servant and will always do your will." The thrush caws.
"WOULDN'T IT.." Cryo blasts, then dismisses her cantrip. She looks at Mikilos, "Wouldn't it mean, if he returned and re-took his domain from Eluna and killed Taara, and then occupied her spot. Wouldn't it make all magic evil? Wouldn't that doom you, Merek, all who wield it to corruption?"
Merek's speculation makes her simply stare. Well, his point about the war with outsider agents make sense. She's having difficulty imagining a single ruler god above all that is not a dragon. Plus, there's the whole re-order the entire cosmic structure. Truly, he's not human.
There's a glance in Aya's direction, just a glance, before the sith is looking around. She can hear Seldan, and now see him.
She casts her cantrip again, "SO YOU'RE JUST HOPING IT WORKS OUT? HE MIGHT COME BACK AS A ZOMBIE GOD? HOPING THIS WON'T BREAK MAGIC AND SEND ALEXANDRIA AWAY AGAIN? OR CHANGE THE WORLD FOR THE WORSE? AFTER ALL THE CATACLISMS THAT HAVE TRANSPIRED YOU PROPOSE ROCKING THE WORLD, AGAIN?"
Tae's curiousity gets the better of her at last. "Why would someone be shouting this out here, amongst a crowd?" she wonders aloud. "If they truly have the remnants of a dead god, wouldn't that be the kind of thing to keep secret? Surely there are eyes and ears of Taara in this city. I bet those shards would fetch a remarkable price. Well, if they even exist."
"LET'EM STAY DEAD." The big Ork rumbles from the crowd. Not needing and magic or spells to be heard. The massive seven foot tall armored and spike covered monsters raises his hands up. Leather and metal gloved digits sporting short flesh ripping blades that are colored with dried blood. Across his chest the Holy Symbol of Kor is bedazzled with little shiny stones and glass. The Battle Priest of Kor bellows with a mixture of mirth and malice that shows his barely existent sanity.
"IT DIED DIDN'T IT? WOT KINDA GOD NEEDS MORTALS TAE SAVE IT? DERE ALREADY TOO MANY GODS AS IS. YOU WANT ANOTHER BEHOLDEN TO MERE MEN FOR IT'S LIFE? IF WE'RE SAV'IN IT WHY NOT WE BE'IN THE GODS?"
Baz intones simply, drool dripping from his tusks as he beckons with his fingers. "KOR SAYS LET'EM FIGHT TAE LIVE, AND LET'EM DIE!" The Big Ork sneers and chortles. "BLOOD OF A GOD IS JUST AS TASTY AS THAT OF A MORTAL TO THE LORD OF BATTLE! APS ITS TIME TAE PRAY HERE AND NOW AFORE WE MORE OF THIS HERESY."
Seldan listens to the explanation in silence, inclining his head in understanding. He replaces the helm on his head, and seems content from here on out to listen in silence.
Merek just looks to Griva, then he nods to Cryo, "It was just a thought, crazier things, especially when you're dealing with talking about bringing back a god. Apologies." Then back to the woman that's standing, "It wouldn't be the first time demons or angels came to involve themselves."
"I didn't *say* we had any. I said they exist," replies Griva, "I said they need to be found, and they do."
She then peers at Cryo. "Too many assumptions, my fine Sith friend. We are not seeking to create an 'undead God'. The answers can be found, wisdom sought, decisions made and..." She squiionts Baz's direction with a puzzled look. "...there's no need. Gods don't live or die as you and I, after all, and quite what 'resurrecting a God' looks like is not the same as it what it might look like for you and me. Be wise to not think of this from 'too human' a reference point, as difficult as it is for each of us. The shards exist. We should find them. Resurrection may be our goal, but it is not the only outcome we'd accept. It may be our goal is impossible! But daring to dream is not a crime."
Mikilos peers mildy to Cryo. "The world is already rocking. Perhaps, PERHAPS, these are aftershocks of the events that have already happened. Perhaps, they are small signs of destruction yet to come. Perhaps, dark magic could be wielded with wisdom, as it was in the Dawn of Time, before the Dark Ones fell from their true duties."
"Perhaps, none of it is possible at all, and the Fallen Pieces are mere curiousities. Perhaps they are keys to resurect a God. Perhaps they are guides, to help restore the balance."
"WE DON'T KNOW."
"LET'S FIND OUT."
"Now, all this information, the seeking, the planning, the knowledge, could be hidden away behind closed doors, left to sulk in the shadows. OR... if could be discussed openly, in a public setting... LIKE RIGHT NOW."
Tae listens, but she only finds the responses more confusing. She doesn't really want attention, but she's growing impatient. "What exactly are you asking us to do? What is the point of the meeting? Almost everyone in this crowd has no means to help find whatever these shards are. Are you asking for permission? Help? If so, help how? At this point the only thing you have said you know is the shards exist. But you don't have them. Which begs the question of how you know, of course."
The Big Ork tilts his head to the side and seems to murmur to himself. "Yah, it'd have tae fight ta get back it's power. More blood on the ground. More war in the heavens and on the earth." There's a wide sneer on Baz's face and he chuckles.
"YEAH, OI RIGHT! LETS BRING BACK YOUR DEAD FAILURE OF A GOD AND SEE WHAT ITS GOT! LETS FIND YOUR SHARDS!" The Ork grins evilly. "Put us back together a good old fashioned crusade."
"Ah! There we go," says Griva, pointing in Tae's direction. "First, we had to lay down our goals, explain what we seek, and open the door. We seek your membership in our society. We're open to seekers of knowledge. We're going to have an official meeting space to share wisdom and stories. We will pursue rumors of the Shards, we will bring together the finest minds. We are not so arrogant as to believe that we can do this, or thatq merely asking permission in a random social setting is the best way to go for it," GRiva smiles towards Tae as she asks, whaqt seems to the dwarf by that smiole, the right questions.
"We know the Shards are real.
Some of Baz's statement is getting him incredibly dirty looks from the people with Animus pins. 'Dead failure of a God'
HMPH.
Mikilos makes a mental note... learn a spell to create lightning bolts above a target in a crowd, that won't hit the crowd.
Baz seems impervious to dirty looks. His God is alive after all, and that dull sheen of stupid is as powerful a protective spells as the barrel of ale he drank on his way here. There seems to be no more oration from the big Ork Priest. After a few moments he consults with the cosmos by digging in a chewed up ear with a thick finger, seeking greater secrets of the universe, or just whatever keeps itching.
Stjepan calls out. "All of this is fine, but you're not the only ones searching for the shards. What do you know of the others that seek this power?" He looks directly at Mikilos and Griva., as he asks this.
"Perhaps if we stop shocking it, things will settle down." Cryo counters, then holds her hand up in a peaceful gesture. "Mikilos, if this is important to you, this one will not oppose, but I think it's foolish... for his reasons." She gestures in the general direction of Baz.
Then mumbles under her breath, "And hope Taara's followers don't decide to interfere directly if she can't."
Victor nods in understanding. "If these shards of Animus are already in the world, it may be best to collect them, if nothing else than to prevent them falling into the wrong hands." He looks at some of the other adventurers present, those he recognizes as well as those he doesn't. Then he looks at a few of the Ressurectionists and their pins. "What sort of society is this? Does your membership include others outside of Alexandria?"
Mikilos says, "Fairly confidant the followers of the Dark Bitch already seek the shards. What they plan is mere speculation, but i very much doubt their success would end well for anyone else."
"Who says they aren't already?" suggests Griva.
"No doubt there are others aware of the Shards, who seek them for good and ill. It is important that they be sought, located, and sheltered. No doubt Rune hungers for them. No doubt Asumit hungers for them. No doubt Charn seeks them. We bring this to you, in the open."
Griva spreads her hands wide.
"We hope to count on the help of citizens all across the world."
Griva turns to Victor, nodding, "There are chapters elsewhere. Some are more secret than others, as necessity dictates."
Merek looks to the folk all gathered about, taking a moment to think to himself, then he nods a bit. "We can't work with the information we have at the moment, as always we need to learn a lot about it." The man scratches at his beard a bit while he takes a moment to speak with Griva, "I will assist, if only to protect the Shards, to see them sealed from the foe, while we seek an answer of what to do with the pieces of Animus."
"That none have stepped out of the shadows behind you, is a big indication." Cryo responds. "She's killed a god? You're somehow sacrosanct?"
Stjepan frowns, scowling. "The creatures of the Void sought them, most of all. I've /seen/ that. I think you are guessing more than you should -- and that might be reason enough to seek them out."
"Those who wear the pin of the eye of Animus, those who are present, are members," she gestures where, indeed, there are people who have the pin on their collars.
"I was elected to speak for us, but I do not lead us." Griva smiles, then gest ures with her hand. Magic. Illusion. An eye of animus appears illuminated above her palm.
"I was once a member of the conclave of magic before it fell and fought in defense of Rune during the Dran-Rune war against Arendt's so-called 'Tide of Iron'. We bled and died to protect magic. I'd do so again."
Tae gently lifts Lily and sets her back with Cryosanthia. "I'm going to get some air." She hesitates to consider her next words, "I will be out of the city once more. I have some news, but it is nothing urgent, nor pleasant. Happily, our issues have no mystical, spooky source; it's just the usual plague upon my efforts." She looks to the girl, "Mind Cryosanthia and behave well, little one. We shall meet again soon."
Merek inhales, then looks to Tae, waving a bit, "Walk safe." Then he nods a bit to Griva's words, while he speaks, "I would like a pin," he mentions, then he taps at his nose, "She is being a little... Quiet about all this, but I'll seek answers with Eluna, her Agents, and within that beautiful everflow of magic, divining the nature of dreams. I'll report back to everyone what I find."
"Sounds like you've got it well in hand," Cryo says, answerings Griva.
She looks to Tae, and nods, "This one will find you, travel safe."
Little Fang reaches to give Tae a hug, "Tae!" and pops Mikilos' ball-butterfly on her face.
Cryo takes off her buckler, and her iron icicle dagger. She sticks the two together then slips them past the little lizard and into her haversack. The pamphlet, she lets fall. "Well good luck all."
Wilhelm has already departed, apparently deep in conversation with his thrush about something or other.
"Ha! Not even close," says Griva to Cryosanthia. "And trust me, I appreciate your skepticism. Skeptical is *good*."
She turns towards Tae, cheerfully smiling at her and Mikilos as a few people do request pins. They'll be handed out, along with inst ructions on where and when the next meeting will be in a couple weeks.
Stjepan nods solemnly to that. "I was there. I remember," he says almost to himself, as the crowd breaks up. He heads towards Mikilos and Griva. "So, where're you looking next? You're going to need to keep the competition away."
Eventually Baz rouses himself from his semi-slouch. No one is killing each other, and the yelling seems done. He gives a wide tusky grin as the Resurectionists. "Yeah, I fink Kor appreciates the idea of the Chaos ya want to unleash. I'll be in touch. I'll be around. Find these shards and all the beautiful problems dey gonna bring." With that he trundles off, heading somewhere he can get food, liquor and place to pass out.
Mikilos declines a pin, instead merely turning around his pendant. The Sign of Animus never stopped being there. "I havn't the slightest idea. I know far less than I'd like about the pieces that have already been found, with little idea how or where to seek more."
"...the chaos is already here," replies Griva after Baz departs.,
Victor moves forward and accepts a pin as well. He eyes it for a moment, studying it for signs of enchantment. Mikilos' pendant draws a longer look. Then he looks at Griva. "All things considered, I would say this is an excellent start."
Stjepan nods. "The Church of Eluna keeps rare and strange artifacts safe. I heard a rumor, once, about a head that couldn't die. Maybe ask there?" He nods to Griva. "It's always been here."
"I don't think you appreciate how little immortals think of your life." Cryo says, watching Baz depart and thrusting her snout in his direction, "He gets it."
She shakes her head at any offered pin. "Ceinara tells me to remain neutral and find inspiration in the suffering. This one expects to find a lot of inspiration. The last time I stepped up it did not go well, so no thank you."
Merek takes up the pin, looking to it, then he places that into a pouch, while he nods to Cryo a bit, then to others. The man seems to be thinking, he does not know what to offer, "Well, we'll see."
Griva nods towards Stjepan. "That's thinking with your head,I suppose," she tells him.
Straight-faced.
She hops down from the dais. "I'll be around Alexndria for good, for now."
Stjepan just gives Griva a /look/. "Fine, I'll take a pin for the moment. Even if it's just because I don't want you to die doing this."
Cryosanthia crouches down and takes her haversack off, setting it in front of her. The little carnation lizard has fallen asleep, and she makes a few adjustments so Lily will be more comfortable and won't fall in. Mikilos' ball-butterfly is caught, and carefully guided into the haversack.
Then she goes through what must be a daily routine. The magic of a handy haversack always brings what you're looking for to the top. So her desire parameters of 'All the things Lily snuck in here when I wasn't watching' results in a series of surprises. Almost a treasure hunt, where the treasures are whatever interests a youngling.
A few rocks, mostly dull. At least one pretty one that the whitescale sets aside. A partially finished ice-cream, which Cryo did not buy for her. A fork, a knife, the cutlery matches the Fernwood's. Then a few more things, clearly snatched of shelves. Some stores will require a visit tomorrow. The rocks and ice-cream are tossed and the rest bundled up and put back in the haversack.
Cryo carefully slings it on her back, tightens the straps down. Stands. "Peace and goodbye."
<OOC> Wilhelm hands out Make Animus Great Again pins.